Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly – buttery cheese dough bites filled with sweet-spicy jelly!

Step 3: Shape the Thumbprints

1. Using a tablespoon of dough, roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
2. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
3. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a shallow indentation into the center of each ball—this will hold the pepper jelly.

Step 4: Add the Hot Pepper Jelly

1. Spoon a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of hot pepper jelly into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jelly will bubble and spread slightly while baking.
2. Optional: sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese around the edges of the jelly for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the appetizers to cool for 5 minutes before serving—this keeps the jelly from being too runny.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the cheesy thumbprints to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for color and added freshness.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite drinks—these are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or casual snacking.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Thumbprints

• Cheese choice matters: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor, but you can experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the thumbprints a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Balance sweet and spicy: Choose a hot pepper jelly that matches your desired heat level; mild ones will make them sweeter, while hotter ones add a zingy kick.
• Uniform size: Using a small cookie scoop ensures all thumbprints bake evenly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the ultimate party snack: buttery, cheesy, sweet, and spicy all at once. They’re simple to make, visually appealing, and irresistible to both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to disappear quickly—so make plenty!

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step visual guide with images for these appetizers, which makes following the recipe even easier and more fun.

Do you want me to do that?